Backing up your iPhone or iPad using iTunes (or Finder on newer macOS versions) is one of the smartest ways to keep your photos, messages, and app data safe. But what happens if this backup becomes a problem? Maybe you want to switch to a new phone management tool, share a backup with a family member, or simply realize you no longer need the encryption. Even worse, what if you forgot the iTunes backup password entirely?

If you are wondering how to remove backup password from iTunes, you are in the right place. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to remove a backup password on iTunes using the official method, what to do if you’ve lost your password, and how to get your backups back to normal.

Part 1: What is an Encrypted iTunes Backup?

Before we dive into the steps to remove iTunes backup encryption, let’s quickly explain what this feature does. When you check the Encrypt local backup box in iTunes, it locks your backup file with a password. This doesn't just protect your regular data; it also allows iTunes to back up sensitive information that a normal backup leaves out, such as:

• Saved passwords and login credentials.
• Wi-Fi settings and history.
• Health app data.
• Your Call history.

While this is great for privacy, it can become a headache if you want to turn it off. Fortunately, learning how to remove encrypt local backup password from iTunes is quite simple if you still know your password.

Part 2: How to Remove iTunes Backup Password (If You Know the Password)

If you remember your password and just want to turn off the encryption feature, you can do this directly within iTunes or Finder in just a few clicks. Here is the easiest way on how to remove iTunes backup password:

Step 1. Connect Your Device to Your Computer

Using a USB cable, plug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch into the computer you normally use for backups.

Step 2. Open iTunes or Finder

• On Windows or Older Mac versions: Open the iTunes app. Click the Device button at the top left side.
• On macOS Catalina or later: Open Finder and click on your device's name in the left-hand sidebar.

Step 3. Find the Backups Section

Look at the main screen for your device. Under the General or Summary tab, look for the section labeled Backups.

Step 4. Uncheck the Encryption Box

You will see a checkbox that says Encrypt local backup. Click it to uncheck the box.

Step 5. Enter Your Password

As soon as you uncheck it, a pop-up window will appear asking for your password. This is where you need to type the password you created when you first turned encryption on.

Once you type it in and hit OK, iTunes will begin creating a new, unencrypted backup. Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to remove the encrypted backup password on iTunes.

Part 3: How to Remove Backup Password from iTunes If You Forgot It

The method above works perfectly if you have a good memory. But what if you are completely locked out? Millions of users find themselves searching for how to remove encryption password from iTunes backup because they simply cannot remember the password they set months or years ago.

If you don't know the password, iTunes will not let you uncheck that box. However, you aren't completely out of luck. Here are your options:

Option A: Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker

The strict security of Apple doesn't allow you easily get rid of the encryption. However, with Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker, you can easily bypass the iTunes password and access your backup files easily. Just connect your iPhone or iPad, and then, Apeaksoft will one-click remove backup password from iTunes. After that, you can open iTunes or Finder to restore the backup to your device.

Step 1. Get Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker

Download, install, and launch Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker on your Windows or Mac computer. It works on the latest Windows 11 and macOS 26.

Step 2. Connect Your iPhone to Apeaksoft

Connect your iPhone to your computer. Then, Apeaksoft iFoneKit iOS Unlocker will recognize your device.

Step 3. One-Click Remove Backup Password on iTunes

On the main interface, click the Remove iTunes Backup Encryption Settings button. This program will start to removing the password.

You don't need to wait long; the backup password will be removed from iTunes. You can start to restore your iPhone from iTunes or Finder.

Option B: Reset All Settings

Apple realized that people forget passwords, so they built a workaround into modern iPhones and iPads. While this won't help you read your old encrypted backups, it will allow you to make new, unencrypted ones. Here is how to remove iTunes backup encryption password by resetting your device settings:

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Tap on General, then scroll all the way to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone (or Reset on older iOS versions).

Step 3. Tap Reset. Choose Reset All Settings. You will need to enter your device's lock-screen passcode to confirm. After that, you can remove iTunes encrypted backup password.

Note for Beginners: Doing this will not delete your personal data, like photos, contacts, or messages. It simply resets your wallpaper, Wi-Fi passwords, display brightness, and home screen layout. Crucially, it also resets the local backup encryption password.

Part 4: Why Is the Encrypt Local Backup Option Greyed Out

Sometimes, users follow all the steps on how to remove password from iTunes backup, but when they get to iTunes, the checkbox is greyed out and cannot be clicked. If this happens to you, it usually means one of two things:

• A Business or School Profile: If your iPhone was provided by your work or school, or if you have a corporate email account set up on it, they may have installed a Configuration Profile.
• Screen Time Restrictions: Sometimes, parental controls or Screen Time settings block changes to accounts and passwords. Try turning off Screen Time temporarily to see if the option becomes clickable.

Related Articles